Michael Jordan Donates to Police Organization Helmed By Wellesley Chief

WELLESLEY, MA – A law enforcement group helmed by Wellesley Police Chief Terrence Cunningham was one of two organizations to receive $1 million donations from Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan.

Moved to add his voice and money to help end the circle of fatal violence that has encompassed African-Americans and police, Jordan donated $2 million to the NAACP and the International Association of Chiefs of Police, where Cunningham serves as president.

"I can no longer stay silent," Jordan said.

He explained why in a lengthy statement posted Monday to TheUndefeated.com, an ESPN platform for discussion of race, sports and culture.

Jordan's $1 million donation to the IACP will help fund The Institute for Community-Police Relations, a new group started by the organization.

"What an opportunity for Michael Jordan to do this and help raise the discussion between police and the members of the communities they serve," Cunningham told TheUndefeated.com. "The IACP aims to provide a toolbox for departments and communities to come together to discuss implicit bias and police legitimacy, and this is an opportunity to help that along."

Jordan's donation to the NAACP will go toward the organization's defense fund.

• Dennis Robaugh (Patch Staff) contributed to this report

DOD photo by D. Myles Cullen [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons